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Headrest
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The shape of this four-legged headrest alludes to cattle, whether bull, ox, or cow. This reference services from the fact that these animals are a source of wealth but also act as mediators between the living and the dead. In earlier days, both headrests and cattle were used in dowry transactions.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Zulu-style carver |
|---|---|
| Date | 1800s–1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Zulu-style carver, Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Kingdom of Eswatini, Swazi-style carver |
| Medium | Wood |
| Dimensions | Overall: 10.2 cm (4 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Furniture and woodwork |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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